Elif Oskan and Steffen Henssler are set to bring their culinary expertise to the 14th season of "The Taste," which will commence filming in May 2025. With Oskan as a permanent coach for the first time and Henssler joining as a coach, viewers can expect thrilling competition and exemplary cooking skills.
Born in Turkey and raised in Zurich, Elif Oskan started her remarkable journey in the culinary world with strong influences from her mother, a renowned home cook. Her early experiences with Turkish cuisine ignited her passion for cooking, which further blossomed during her training at the prestigious "Seehotel Sonne" in Küsnacht, where she began her career in 2010. By 2014, she was making a name for herself as a chef at the "Restaurant Heimberg" in Zermatt.
Her career took a significant turn after working under renowned chef Heston Blumenthal at "The Fat Duck" in London, a three-star restaurant. This experience not only honed her culinary techniques but also introduced her to her partner and business collaborator, Markus Stöckle. The two cultivated a successful partnership, opening multiple restaurants in Zurich, including "Rosi," "Gül," and the recent fast food venture "Gül Express." Their business acumen has impressed culinary critics, with "Gault & Millau" praising their creative cuisine.
Oskan's sweet creations earned her the title of the "Dessert Queen of Zurich," showcasing her refined desserts that have become a highlight in the local culinary scene. Her passion for Turkish cuisine led to the release of her cookbook, "Cüisine," in 2023, which features beloved recipes from her childhood, enhancing her reputation further.
As she ascends in the television cooking genre, Elif Oskan has previously appeared as a guest coach on "The Taste" in 2024 and competed head-to-head with famous chefs like Tim Mälzer on various shows. Her ambitions are high, as she hopes to become the first female winning coach on "The Taste."
Joining her in this culinary showdown is Steffen Henssler, known for his vibrant persona and competitive spirit. The 52-year-old has left a mark on the cooking shows landscape for over two decades, having started his television career in 2004. His journey began at the Michelin-starred "Andresens Gasthof" in Bargum, and a lottery win allowed him to study at the California Sushi Academy, where he became the first German to earn the title of Professional Sushi Chef.
Upon returning to Germany, Henssler opened the restaurant "Henssler & Henssler" in Hamburg with his father in 2021, building a successful brand that extends beyond the kitchen. He has crafted his image as a culinary entertainer and remains a favorite among fans for his lively cooking duels with Tim Mälzer, with whom he has a longstanding friendly rivalry.
Steffen Henssler's charisma is infectious, and he has successfully turned his culinary art into various media ventures. With eight published cookbooks and a significant following on social media, including 411,000 followers on Instagram, Henssler has built a brand that resonates well with the public.
Fans of "The Taste" can anticipate the dynamic between Oskan and Henssler, which promises to bring exciting twists and flavor to the competition. With both chefs at the forefront, they illustrate the fusion of tradition and modern culinary artistry that promises to entertain and inspire aspiring chefs across the nation.
As the 14th season edges closer, all eyes will be on how these two culinary stars interact, mentor contestants, and showcase their dishes, setting the stage for an exhilarating series filled with creativity, passion, and competition.
